Nick Makin – Season Update

After a long and hard winter of training I knew that coming into the 2024 season, my second and last as a junior, that it would be a good one. In my first year as a junior I’d come 2nd at a stage at the National B stage race the Totnes Vire. As well as that I had also done an international stage race, the Prix de Jumelage. Both of which I was massive helped and supported by Mid Devon not just by getting me to the race but also during. Because of this I had a good amount of confidence for the year ahead.

One of the early season races is the Primavera , organised again by the Mid Devon. With a course that suits me and good legs I was happy with 5th after a strong group got away from group 1.

After a couple of regional races the next goal I wanted to tick off was racing In Belgium. A country that I’ve always dreamed to race in and races that suit me perfectly with their fast explosive nature. MDCC were kind enough to financial support me which without would have made it almost impossible to get out there. I decided to do 2 kermesses In the north east of Belgium in the Flanders region. In the first race, evergem, I bridged to the break and won the sprint for first place. On Sunday, Eeklo, I made an early move and got away with several other riders. After attacks and a big sprint I was happy to take 3rd. Both of these races were an experience that I would never forget and would give me confidence for the rest of the season

Then came the 2024 Totnes Vire and Prix de Jumelage. Both very important races for the Mid Devon. France came first and it was brutal. With punchy courses and a strong field it was gonna be hard couple of days but I was happy to finish. And with Charlie Meredith up at the pointy end of the GC, it was an exciting weekend all of which was supported by the club. I carried good form into the Totnes Vire. The TT went well but unfortunately I had a mechanical on stage 2 the road race. Being a big rider I knew I would struggle on the hill climb so I was all in for the last stage, the crit at Torbay. With a very early attack 10 minutes, me and another rider got away and built up a big gap on the main group. After a gruelling 1.20 hour in the break I was so pleased to take the win.

The next big race came a bit later in the season. The Junior Tour of Ireland. A race that I only managed to get into by the help of Andrew Parker. I was supported for the week by another team but still wearing my Mid Devon kit with pride. It was a brutal week which I thought I’d just spend hanging on to the end of the bunch. But with a late attack on stage 4 I got a stage win. My biggest victory to date.

I ended my season with a round of the Junior National series. The Bath RC Road Race. Won by world tour riders in the past. I had no idea what to expect from the race but the course suited me and I had good form from Ireland. I decided it worked well last time, so I decided to go for another late attack. 2 riders came with me but we worked well together and I took the win.

None of my season would have been possible without the people within the club and the financial support which comes from the Dartmoor Classic. It helped me have an amazing season and have memories that I will never forget.